Benlow Works, Silverdale Road, Hayes

Image: © Brian Robert Marshall Taken: 30 May 2007

The subject of this image is the brick building on the right. It is known as the Benlow Works. The original purpose of the factory was to produce 'Aeolian Orchestrelle' organ players (like pianolas but with pipes). A bit of a sorry sight now, with broken windows and downpipes etc. Listed Grade II. From the listing details: "Orchestrelle factory, now factory. 1909-11. Reinforced concrete frame by E P Wells; brick exterior by Walter Cave. 4 storeys; 19-bay elevation. Entrance bay, 7th from left, has semi-circular stepped brick architrave to doorway and segmental-arched metal casements flanked by rusticated pilasters slightly set forward and breaking parapet. Similar segmental-arched casement windows. Striking elevation articulated by brick piers and full-height semi-circular arched stepped architraves framing alternate single and double bays, the latter with broad Diocletian windows to 3rd storey which are set above central brick piers. Crenellated parapet. Similar rear and side elevations. Interior: floors and roof supported on reinforced concrete columns with step-chamfered arrises."

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